The upcoming election for two open seats on the Rockland City Council affords us the opportunity to rejuvenate an underperforming Council and bounce back strong with vibrant energy.

 

I ask my fellow Rockland residents to join me in voting for Nate Davis and Kaitlin Callahan in the November 7 election.

 

Having had the pleasure of getting to know both Nate and Kaitlin and hearing them speak about the issues we face in local government, I am convinced that they are the right individuals to represent me on the City Council. 

 

Nate has served on the Council before and brought commitment and process to his work on increasing the local minimum wage and addressing housing and zoning issues to help alleviate our housing crisis. He is committed to sustainability goals not just for our environment, but also for economic and social sustainability. His vision of Rockland is one that will protect the heritage of our community while preparing it for a dynamic future.

 

Kaitlin has worked tirelessly addressing the needs of some of our most vulnerable neighbors. As a recovery specialist, Kaitlin has provided personal and professional support to Rockland residents struggling with 4 generations of addiction. Her ceaseless commitment to this work is evidence of her willingness to persevere in the face of tremendous challenges, and her awareness of the impact of addiction and abuse on the health of our city provides an insight that will keep the Council grounded and focused on our immediate needs.

 

Today's City Council has divisive and ineffectual leadership. It drifts aimlessly from noisy debates to personality-driven issues. Nate and Kaitlin have proven to me that they can work together as professional policymakers. They share a passion for caring for the people who have lived in Rockland for generations and for those young people that we desperately need to attract. Their commitment to sound government process is refreshing and can help steer the Council back to addressing and fulfilling the City's Comprehensive Plan, which the current leadership has all but abandoned.

 

On November 7, Rockland residents should vote for both Nate and Kaitlin to restore the health of the City Council and the City of Rockland.